It’s easy to get lost in the idea of a travel game plan, especially when the destination is as dynamic as Japan. If you’re bound for Haneda, you can trace your way from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto in a high-speed train racing past cherry blossom-lined streets and the majestic view of Mount Fuji just putting your butt sore to shame. After all, it’s a country worth exploring in its entirety.

For longtime admirers and seasoned travelers, dreaming of Japan means venturing into the undiscovered or losing themselves in its quiet, secluded gardens. Pop culture fans drift through small towns that feel lifted from a Makoto Shinkai anime or the pages of a Haruki Murakami novel. Some simply want to hop on a bike in Sapporo and feel the crisp, clean air in their hair.

So, when the Japan Travel Fair 2025 arrived at Glorietta Activity Center last February 22-23, visitors treated it more like an invitation to explore beyond its megacities. Organized by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), a longtime presence at travel fairs, this marked its first standalone expo, designed to offer a more immersive and interactive experience.

From flight deals and cultural showcases to exclusive novel tours of the country’s hidden gems, here are five reasons why this was the ultimate travel fair for anyone with Japan on their bucket list.

Exclusive travel deals
For first-time travelers, the fair was the perfect place to start. Leading airlines—including ANA, JAL, and Philippine Airlines—along with top travel agencies, rolled out limited-time offers on flights, hotels, and curated tour packages. They also got insider tips on lesser-known photo spots, must-try dining experiences, and a preview of the highly anticipated Osaka Expo 2025, making it easier than ever to turn that Japan dream trip into reality.

Kawaii stage
Japan’s music, culture, and pop scene echoed throughout Glorietta, creating an experience even passersby could feel. A cosplay showcase turned the venue into a mini anime convention, while the rhythmic beats of taiko drums and the delicate strains of koto music transported visitors to Kyoto’s historic streets. Fans also scored front-row seats to performances by J-pop groups Link Start and Skygarden, alongside local artists Kena Yokie & Miyuki and Sharlla Mae Cerilles, known for their Japanese renditions of OPM classics.

Games and giveaways
The event was also about having fun. The Stamp Rally Challenge turned the venue into a scavenger hunt, with attendees collecting stamps for a shot at exciting prizes. Lucky draws, quiz competitions, and dance performances kept the energy high throughout the two-day fair, while the first 1,000 visitors each day walked away with Japanese-themed erasers, including a lucky Maneki Neko. Over at the Visit Japan Booth, everyone who took surveys or downloaded partner apps were treated to premium giveaways.

Instagram-worthy photo spots
No Japan-themed event is complete without stunning photo opportunities. The fair featured two immersive backdrops: a springtime Japan scene and a Super Mario-themed setup from Universal Studios Japan. Whether it was striking a pose beneath delicate sakura petals or stepping into Nintendo’s pixelated world, visitors walked away with souvenir-worthy snapshots of their experience.

A glimpse behind overlooked havens
Representatives from Sapporo, Hakuba Village, and Japan’s railway companies shared ways to navigate destinations ranging from snow-covered mountain resorts to historic towns seemingly untouched by time. For those eager to go beyond the usual tourist trail, it was a rare opportunity to map out a different side of Japan.

Stay tuned for the next Japan Travel Fair by following JNTO on Facebook: Visit Japan Philippines.